Harbin Ice Hotel by LAVA

The crystal shaped Harbin Ice Hotel is work of Lava architects, housing massive 530,000 square meters.Discover more of the project along with architects description after the jump:

From the Architects:

Icebergs and quartz crystal are the design inspiration for a new hotel, retail and cultural centre. The clash of fire and ice in a dramatic lobby contrasts the electro light transparent facade.

Icebergs, quartz crystal formations and elegant swans are the design inspiration for a new hotel, retail and cultural centre in Harbin.

The tenth largest city in China is a key political, economic, scientific, cultural and communications hub in the North China.

Known as the 'Ice City', it is renowned for its annual international Ice and Snow Sculpture festival. The combination of Han, Manchu and Russian cultures influences the local architecture style, food, music, and customs.

A new re-development, 'Ice Hotel', is a dynamic clash of fire and ice, with a dramatic crystalline lobby that draws the user into a warm, cave-like interior.

The visitor moves from the perceptually 'cold' exterior of a transparent facade and vertical linear iceberg geometry. The grouping of several crystal-shaped buildings adds to this drama.